‘Outright Evil’: Heartbreak and Fury as South Africans Allegedly Deceived into Battling for Russian Forces

A mother has had no contact with her son since the end of August. The last time they spoke, he expressed fear that he was being sent to the frontlines of the war between Russia and its neighbor. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“My health is truly suffering,” she stated, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, heart palpitations. It's overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It is an immense struggle.”

The young man was part of a group of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russian military forces. The purported operation is linked to a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Claims about the individual's role began to emerge last month after the national authorities said it was trying to help citizens stranded in the war zone. Subsequently, in a bombshell intervention, a different family member, filed a police report alleging that several individuals had deceptively recruited the men.

This claim sent shock waves through the nation, where the wider scandal has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of under-35s are not in work or education.

These individuals are believed to be trapped in a war they did not sign up for, while their relatives thousands of miles away dread for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

Mary, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were connected with Zuma-Sambudla via a family connection years ago. She stated that contact was made in June with what was described as an lucrative prospect in Russia.

A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be trained as bodyguards for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could join a personal development programme, upon completion they could study abroad and even secure Russian citizenship.

Early hesitation was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the program and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’”

A Complex Backdrop

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a fierce defender of her parent, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Moscow date back decades. The former president has been a leading figure in advocating for closer relationships with nations often at odds with Western powers.

She has also frequently declared her support of Russia. On social media, she has shared posts aligning herself with the government in Moscow.

Separately, she is currently on trial on accusations of terrorism and inciting violence related to online posts during past unrest. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

The Journey to War

The men allegedly gathered at a major international airport in the summer before flying to Moscow. Communication records from online forums dated July and August reportedly show the group's concerns.

By mid-August, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were being split up. A communication clearly read: “We are with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

In late August, the young man contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to sign a contract in Russian. A document associated with another member of the group appears to be a contract with a designated force that has been active in the hostilities since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, the national leadership confirmed it had received distress calls the men and was working to secure their return. The government emphasized that assisting external armed forces without state authorization is illegal.

The political rift between current and former leaders adds a layer of complexity to the case. At first, the contingent numbered twenty individuals, but three were allowed to return home.

A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men reportedly yielded no answers. Soon thereafter, the police report was lodged by another relative, accusing her sibling and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, the accused filed her own affidavit claiming she had been misled by another recruiter into believing it was a legitimate program. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her political position.

Other individuals could not be reached for a statement. An official representative said there was no new information on the mission to bring back the men. Diplomatic missions have not responded to inquiries.

A Wider Pattern

Reports suggest that hundreds of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to alert their populations about such recruitment.

Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals including a media personality recently appeared in court on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Meanwhile, the mother continues to be consumed by fear and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to exploit a young person … That constitutes outright evil,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they weren’t going to war and she lets them down like that. I mean, who does that?”